The bush fire affected so many people. My Dad is one of them and this is something he wrote one night when he couldn't sleep, just days after the fire.
Written by KYM GREEN, Organic Apple + Cherry Grower in Lenswood. SA
++++++++
A bad week
We had a major fire sweep through our region this week
86 houses, 500 sheds, 278 vehicles, 25,000 hectares burnt according to media reports
Several people burnt including my son in law, Shayne.
The week leading up to the fire had temperatures over 40c with Friday hitting 45c in Lenswood
We are into cherry harvest and the extreme temperatures are hard on fruit and pickers— a loosing battle with much fruit dehydrated and lost
Fire fighters did a great job saving what they could
The real hero’s were the people who stayed behind to fight fire where they could, often saving their homes and neighbours houses. A huge amount of small private units— utes, tractors, saved countless properties and structures— thank you all—no acknowledgement of these valiant brave souls in the media! Shame.
The support from family, friends, community has been awesome
Sincere thank you .
I am no longer in the CFS after 30 odd years of service and experiences. We had a great local team and worked hard over the years to reduce the effect of fire.
This fire event was very emotional.
It burnt half of our apple and cherry orchard on the main orchard. It burnt 2 tractors and spray units. But worst of all it burnt Shayne. Arms, legs and face.
Skin grafts have been done but oh his face looks shocking
He’s chatting but my heart hurts for him. He has a long road to full recovery. He’s a good fella and would help anyone.His tractor got stuck on a fallen tree going through a patch of Bush— gorse and rough bark eucalyptus, that exploded all over him as he was firefighting. He had to abandon his beloved tractor and run through the inferno to get out— he said he nearly gave up hope of making it out alive.
It’s 4 o’clock in the morning, couldn’t stop thinking about Shayne. Needed to tell this story
We just got power back on this afternoon, 5 days without. Finally I can irrigate my orchard — so much stress both on trees and me
We aim to grow wonderful fruit but oh what a challenging season
Just to add a barrier— last week I ripped my cartilage in my left knee! Couldnt walk too good! Operated on the day before the fire—needed to rest up for a week— yes right—
My family’s effort fighting the fire was truely amazing. The wind created by the fire made control very difficult. Orchards by their design are difficult fire grounds
Irrigation lines add to the fuel. PVC head works don’t like fire. All destroyed.
Being certified organic, we had plenty of ground cover— not good for fire control . But having said that— the conventional guys suffered much the same fate. Too hot, too dry, strong winds, we’re in drought conditions, miles of forest that hadn’t been burnt for 40 years on our regions door step— it was just a matter of time to burn
Well it’s 5am now. I’ve said my piece now. I’m exhausted but still firing. Too much relays on me for to stop.
Jess and the grand daughters are staying with Jane and me
It’s Christmas morning soon, so some cheer will come to our household
Thank you all for being so supportive to our family and other families that have lost so much
Friends have set a page where you can help Jess and the girl’s financially if you want to help
I’m a bit teary now
Merry Christmas everyone
We love you all
4 comments
CyPGpEuVHf
ibMlVGANQhoktOCX
bVWoTMvY
qDhwdNpOFPSt